Changes made at Exchange
By Melinda L. Lucas
The Local Exchange (formerly Neighbors In Need) is changing the way they serve Shackelford County and beyond by focusing more on medical equipment, heaters, fans, air conditioners, and household essentials rather than home decorations, according to Lori Reames, who helps coordinate the ministry.
“We have a lot of well-meaning donors dropping off all sorts of items, but at a certain point, there is no room for what our ministry was originally all about, which is helping families with basic needs,” said Reames. “We spent the afternoon on Saturday clearing out half of our donations in order to disassemble one row of shelving so we could house more furniture and appliances.”
The Local Exchange donated items to the Ragin’ Red Band Fundraiser Garage Sale.
“When they brought items to donate back to TLE after the sale, several boys from the Ben Richey Boys Ranch agreed to stay to help make room and break down the shelving units.
BRBR house parent Julie Miller brought Jayden Clark, Ben Barwon, Marcus Valfre, Tony Wheeler, and Lathin Brownlee to assist with the project.
“Julie and the boys were instrumental in helping us accomplish this huge task, and they did it with smiles on their faces,” Reames said. “We did not plan the workday; it just seemed necessary to fit all of their leftover donations into the building.”
With the volume of items, Reames made the decision to leave items outside for the community to shop from for free, or they can leave a donation with any Band Booster member.
Some volunteers returned Sunday afternoon to finish cleaning and setting up all furniture items and taking inventory of basic needs items.
“Space is still limited, and we have to work around all of the places the roof leaks, so we will continue asking donors to hold onto some items and just text me a picture and the deadline we have to find it a home or have it picked up,” said Reames. “And we desperately need a list of strong volunteers, preferably with trucks, to pick up and deliver heavier items.”
Those would like to donate items to The Local Exchange can call the new work number, 325-762-0335 (same as Closet Angels), or text a picture of what they wish to donate. If there is room, donors will be notified when they can bring it to the barn, located between the two fire departments.
Reames asked that furniture and appliances not be left outside.
